Border Closure: Probe How COVID-19 Index Case Came Into Kano- CITAD Demands

The Centre For Information Technology and Development, (CITAD) has called for an investigation on how the COVID-19 index case crossed the closed border into Kano and that all found to have played a role in this should be punished accordingly.

Solacebase recalled that Kano State Government on March 27^th directed the closure of the state borders so as to prevent importation of the dreaded coronavirus into the state. However, Kano confirmed its first COVID-19 case on Saturday, April 11 by a retired diplomat aged 75.

Although Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje in a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary Abba Anwar on Saturday disclosed that, the patient a 75year old retiree and a former Ambassador who travelled to Kaduna, Abuja and Lagos came into Kano on 25th March.

The Civil Society Organization called for the deployment of Kano State Public Complaints and Anti-Corruption Commission Personnel to prevent security agents from sabotaging the efforts of government by allegedly collecting bribes and allowing motorists to enter the state.

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This was contained in a statement issued on Saturday by CITAD Campaigns and Communications Officer Ali Sabo and sent to Solacebase.

CITAD said it issued a report of an assessment of compliance to this preventive measure last week and drew the attention of stakeholders to the danger and consequences of alleged disobedience to the border closure as some security agents have turned the initiative to money-making venture whereby allowing entry of vehicles into the state with passengers.

‘’ The state government declared that all social gathering which includes cinemas, viewing centres, and joints in the state are ordered suspended until further notice. Ceremonial gatherings were also banned in the state and religious leaders were advised to adhere to the advice given by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), most especially social distancing, but all these went to the deaf ears of the people in the state as people continue with their normal activities without taking any precautions,’’ said the statement.

The Centre in the statement urged Kano state government to order the closure of all markets in the state as they are places where social distancing cannot apply and traders pay no attention to safety and preventive measures.

‘’ All religious gatherings including Friday prayers and church services to be suspended with immediate effect and re-enforce border closure and ensure total compliance as measures to curtail the spread of the novel disease,’’ the statement urged.